Hey there, pasta lovers! Are you on the hunt for a dinner recipe that feels fancy but won’t keep you chained to the stove all evening? Well, you’ve hit the jackpot today! We’re diving into the wonderful world of burrata rigatoni, a dish that’s as delightful to say as it is to eat.
This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy, slightly spicy sensation that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or even a lovely date night cooking ideas. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share a plate with you!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good pasta dish? This burrata rigatoni recipe takes your typical weeknight pasta and elevates it without adding any fuss or complicated steps. It’s truly a game changer for busy folks who still want to enjoy nice dinner recipes at home.
First off, it is incredibly quick. You can have this comforting meal on the table in about 30 minutes, which is a huge win when hunger strikes. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store.
The star of the show, of course, is the fresh burrata. Its creamy, milky interior melts beautifully into the warm pasta, creating a luxurious sauce that’s simply irresistible. This is definitely a simple burrata recipe that delivers big on flavor.
If you’re looking for cozy pasta recipes, this one fits the bill perfectly. It’s warm, hearty, and just spicy enough to give you that comforting hug in a bowl. It is also a fantastic burrata dinner recipes option that everyone will enjoy.
And let’s talk about customization! This dish is super flexible. Want more heat? Add extra chili flakes. Prefer it milder? Dial them back. It’s your kitchen, your rules. This makes it one of those fantastic recipes with burrata that you can truly make your own.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing burrata rigatoni. You’ll be surprised how few items you need for such a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 100 g uncooked rigatoni pasta
- 1 small shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 8 to 10 grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 to 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 fresh burrata
See? Nothing too wild or hard to find. These simple components come together to create a truly special burrata pasta recipe that will become a go to in your home.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these easy steps to bring your spicy burrata rigatoni to life. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!
Step 1: Get That Pasta Going
First things first, grab a good sized pot and fill it with water. Bring that water to a rolling boil. Once it is bubbling away, add your rigatoni pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, meaning it has a slight bite to it.
Step 2: Save That Water, Then Drain
Before you drain all the pasta water, remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of it. This starchy liquid is pure gold for loosening up your sauce later. Then, go ahead and drain the rest of the pasta. Set it aside for a moment.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Now, grab a skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Once it is shimmering, toss in your chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes. You want them to soften and become fragrant, but not brown.
Step 4: Spice It Up With Tomato Paste
Next, add your chili flakes and tomato paste to the skillet. Give it a good stir and cook for another minute. This step helps to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste, making your sauce extra rich.
Step 5: Burst Those Tomatoes
Stir in your halved grape tomatoes. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they start to soften and burst, releasing all their juicy goodness into the pan. This adds a lovely fresh pop of flavor.
Step 6: Creamy Goodness
Pour in the heavy cream and mix everything together really well. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just a touch.
Step 7: Season and Finish the Sauce
Season your sauce with kosher salt and black pepper to your liking. Now is also the time to stir in that fresh basil. If you find the sauce a little too tangy, a small pinch of sugar can balance it out nicely. Taste and adjust as needed.
Step 8: Bring It All Together
Toss your drained rigatoni pasta right into the skillet with the sauce. Mix it well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that deliciousness. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, add some of your reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 9: A Quick Simmer and Serve
Let the mixture simmer for another minute, continuously mixing to ensure the pasta soaks up all those amazing flavors. This final simmer helps everything come together beautifully.
Step 10: The Grand Finale: Burrata!
Transfer your amazing burrata rigatoni to serving bowls. Now for the star: gently place a fresh burrata right on top of each serving. Before digging in, cut the cheese open so that its creamy, oozy center can spill out over the warm pasta. Pure bliss!
How To Store Leftovers
Got some leftover burrata rigatoni? Lucky you! While this dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely save it for later. Just make sure to store it properly to keep it tasty.
First, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. This is important for food safety. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you are ready to reheat, you might find the sauce has thickened quite a bit. Simply add a splash of water or a little extra heavy cream to the pan when reheating on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir it gently until warmed through.
Keep in mind that the burrata will not be as gooey and fresh after being refrigerated and reheated. If you really want that fresh burrata experience, you could always add a fresh ball of burrata to your reheated portion. It’s a little extra step, but totally worth it for that creamy texture!
Tips
Want to make your burrata rigatoni even better? Here are a few handy tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe every single time. These little nuggets of wisdom can really make a difference!
Choose Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe uses only a few ingredients, the quality really shines through. Opt for good quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and ripe grape tomatoes. And, of course, a really fresh ball of burrata makes all the difference.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key! Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture, which is a big no no for a good burrata pasta recipe. Always follow the package instructions closely, and maybe even shave off a minute or two.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before tossing in the pasta. Need more salt? A little more pepper? Or perhaps that pinch of sugar to balance the tang? Your taste buds are your best guide. This ensures your burrata rigatoni is perfectly seasoned.
Fresh Basil is Best: While dried basil can work in a pinch, fresh basil adds a vibrant, aromatic quality that really brightens up the dish. Stir it in at the very end to preserve its fresh flavor and color.
Customize the Spice: The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes, which gives a gentle warmth. If you love heat, feel free to add a bit more. If you prefer it super mild, you can reduce or omit them. It’s all about what you like!
Serve Immediately: This dish is truly at its peak when served hot and fresh, with the burrata melting beautifully over the pasta. Don’t let it sit around too long after the burrata is added.
Explore Other Pasta Shapes: While rigatoni is fantastic for catching all that lovely sauce, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes. Penne, orecchiette, or even a short pappardelle would also work well. It is all about pasta inspo!
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! A truly comforting, easy to make, and utterly delicious burrata rigatoni recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your cooking rotation. It is one of those recipes with burrata that just hits all the right notes.
Whether you are whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for date night cooking ideas, this dish delivers on flavor and simplicity. It proves that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special.
So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and get cooking! You are just a few steps away from enjoying a bowl of creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying pasta. Happy cooking, everyone!
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Absolutely! To make this burrata rigatoni gluten free, simply swap out the regular rigatoni for your favorite gluten free pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, and the rest of the recipe remains the same. Easy peasy!
What If I Cannot Find Burrata?
If fresh burrata is hard to come by, fresh mozzarella can be a good substitute. While it won’t have the same creamy, liquid center, it will still offer a lovely mild, milky flavor and a nice melted texture. It will still be a fantastic burrata pasta recipe.
Can I Add Vegetables To This Dish?
Yes, you certainly can! This recipe is very flexible. Spinach, mushrooms, or even some roasted bell peppers would make excellent additions. Sauté tougher vegetables with the shallots and garlic, and stir in delicate greens like spinach at the very end.
Is This Dish Suitable For Meal Prep?
While it is best fresh, you can definitely meal prep this burrata rigatoni. Store the pasta and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. We recommend adding fresh burrata when you are ready to eat for the best experience.
How Spicy Is This Recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes, which gives a mild, pleasant warmth. It is not overly spicy. If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes to your liking. For a milder version, you can reduce or omit them completely.
Creamy Burrata Rigatoni
Looking for a fancy dinner that’s actually no-fuss? This burrata rigatoni is a total game changer. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, slightly spicy pasta that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy date night at home.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook rigatoni pasta until al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped shallot and minced garlic for 2 minutes.
- Add chili flakes and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute to deepen the sauce flavor.
- Stir in halved grape tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they burst and release their juices.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer the mixture gently for 1-2 minutes.
- Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh basil. Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too tangy.
- Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring every piece is coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Simmer for another minute while mixing to help the flavors meld.
- Transfer to bowls and top with fresh burrata. Cut the cheese open right before eating to let the creamy center flow!
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta! Keeping it al dente ensures it holds up perfectly against the rich, creamy sauce.
Using high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic makes a massive difference in such a simple, direct recipe.
If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a tasty substitute, though you’ll miss that signature liquid center.
Feel free to customize the heat by adding more or fewer chili flakes depending on your family’s preference.
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